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KORPIKLAANI Announces New Fiddler

Finnish folk metallers KORPIKLAANI recently entered the studio to begin recording their new album for a tentative late summer release via Nuclear Blast Records. The as-yet-untitled CD will mark the recording debut of the band’s new fiddler, Tuomas Rounakari.

Commented the band: “We took Tuomas aboard when we noticed that he was actually the only sensible choice for us. We had already thought of him before, but were always afraid that he’d be too busy to join us, because KORPIKLAANI demands much time from every band member. When we finally asked him, he replied that it’d be an exciting challenge and big chance for him, so he agreed to take over the fiddle for us. We’re more than happy about his decision!

“At the moment, the whole band is gathered in the studio where we’ve recently entered the final stage of recording, with Jonne laying down his vocal lines and only a few folk parts waiting to be recorded. If all goes to plan, the album will be ready for mixing at the end of March.”

Get a first idea of Tuomas‘ instrumental skills by watching a video of his solo project “Shamanviolin” below.

A new KORPIKLAANI song called “Metsälle” was originally recorded late last year when the band was competing to represent Finland in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. The track, which will also appear on the forthcoming CD, has since been released as a single and can be downloaded at this location.

According to KORPIKLAANI, “Metsälle” “is about the hunt on Hiisi’s magical moose in the Northland. He (Lemminkäinen) puts on his charmed ski’s and takes off for a prolonged hunt through forests and meadows, marshlands and woodlands, rapids and rivers. This song describes part of the Kalevala story, the national epic of Finland.”

KORPIKLAANI‘s latest album, “Ukon Wacka”, was released in North America on February 25, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.